The effect of frequency on the lifetime of a surface micromachined microengine driving a load

Abstract

Experiments have been performed on surface micromachined microengines driving load gears to determine the effect of the rotation frequency on median cycles to failure. We did observe a frequency dependence and have developed a model based on fundamental wear mechanisms and forces exhibited in resonant mechanical systems. Stressing loaded microengines caused observable wear in the rotating joints and, in a few instances, led to fracture of the pin joint in the drive gear.